Methods for manufacturing betulinic acid

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method for preparing an ester of betulin at the 3-position, e.g., betulin-3-acetate, including the selective alcoholysis of a betulin-3,28-diester, e.g., betulin-3,28-diacetate; a method for preparing betulin-3-acetate including (1) acetylating betulin to provide betulin-3,28-diacetate and (2) the alcoholysis of betulin-3,28-diacetate to provide betulin-3-acetate; a method for preparing betulinic acid from betulin-3-acetate including (1) acetylating betulin to provide betulin-3,28-diacetate, (2) the alcoholysis of betulin-3,28-diacetate to provide betulin-3-acetate, (3) oxidizing betulin-3-acetate to provide betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate, (4) oxidizing betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate to provide betulinic acid-3-acetate, and (5) deprotecting betulinic acid-3-acetate to provide betulinic acid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/840,627 Apr. 23, 2001. This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/480,406 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,481; filed on Jan. 11, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Betulinic acid is useful as a therapeutic agent. For example, Pisha, E. et al., (1995) J. M. Nature Medicine, 1, 1046-1051 disclose that betulinic acid has antitumor activity against melanoma, e.g., MEL-1, MEL-2 and MEL4. In addition, Fujioka, T. et al., J. Nat. Prod., (1994) 57, 243-247 discloses that betulinic acid has anti-HIV activity in H9 lymphocytic cells.

Betulinic acid can be manufactured from betulin, which is present in large quantities in the outer birch bark of numerous species of birch trees. For example, a single paper mill in northern Minnesota generates nearly 30-70 tons of birch bark per day. Approximately 230,000 tons of birch bark are generated per year. Outer bark of Betula verrucosa (European commercial birth tree) contains nearly 25% betulin (Rainer Ekman, 1983, Horzforschung 37, 205-211). The outer bark of Betula paparifera (commercial birch of northern U.S. and Canada) contains nearly 5-18% betulin (see, U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 09/371,298). As such, vast quantities of betulin are available.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,575 issued to Pezzuto et al. discloses a five-step process for the synthesis of betulinic acid from betulin. Due to the length of time required to carry out this process and the yield it provides, it is not ideal for the commercial scale (e.g., kilogram) production of betulinic acid. Additionally, the process uses solvents and reagents that are hazardous and expensive, and the disclosed purification steps are not feasible on a commercial scale.

The first step in the preparation of betulinic acid from betulin-3-acetate was described by Ruzichka et al. (Helv. Chim. Acta., 21, 1706-1715 (1938)). The main obstacle for employing this method is the preparation of starting material (i.e., betulin-3-acetate). The selectivity of the hydrolysis of betulin-3, 28-diacetate with potassium hydroxide provided about 60% betulin-3-acetate. The use of magnesium alcoholates (Yao-Chang Xu et al., J. Org. Chem., 61, 9086-9089 (1996)) in the selective deprotection of betulin-3,28-diacetate (Yao-Chang Xu et al., J. Org. Chem., 61, 9086-9089 (1996)) has several serious drawbacks. The selectivity of this process is about 81%. Additionally, the cost of magnesium alcobolates is fairly high. As such, this method is not attractive for the commercial scale production of betulinic acid.

Thus, there exists a need for improved methods for preparing betulinic acid and synthetic precursors thereof. Such improved methods should require less time, should provide a higher overall yield, should be more cost effective (i.e., should require less expensive reagents and solvents) than known procedures, or should satisfy the contemporary industrial demands from both safety and environmental points of view.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for preparing betulinic acid and precursors thereof. The methods of the present invention require less time and require reagents that are less expensive, less toxic, or less flammable than known methods for preparing betulinic acid and the precursors thereof.

The present invention provides a process for preparing a compound of formula III

comprising alcoholyzing a compound of formula II

wherein each R₁ and R₂ are each independently a suitable organic group.

The present invention also provides a process for preparing a compound of formula V

comprising:

(1) acylating a compound of formula I

to provide a compound of formula II

wherein each R₁ and R₂ are each independently a suitable organic group;

(2) alcoholyzing a compound of formula II to provide a compound of formula III;

(3) oxidizing the compound of formula III to provide a compound of formula VI;

(4) oxidizing the compound of formula VI to provide a compound of formula IV; and

(5) deprotecting the compound of formula IV to provide the compound of formula V.

The invention also provides novel compounds disclosed herein, as well as methods for their synthesis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a synthesis of betulinic acid from betulin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1 (scheme 1), Applicant has discovered a process for alcoholyzing the bisprotected alcohol (compound II) to provide the corresponding alcohol (compound III). The alcohol (compound III) can be oxidized to the acid (compound IV) and the acid (compound IV) can be deprotected to betulinic acid (compound V); or the alcohol (compound III) can be oxidized to the aldehyde (compound VI), the aldehyde (compound VI) can be oxidized to the acid (compound IV), and the acid (compound IV) can be deprotected to provide betulinic acid (compound V); or the alcohol (compound III) can be oxidized to the aldehyde (compound VI), the aldehyde (compound VI) can be deprotected to the aldehyde (compound VII), and the aldehyde (compound VII) can be oxidized to betulinic acid (compound V).

The following definitions are used, unless otherwise described: halo is fluoro, chioro, bromo, or iodo. Alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, etc. denote both straight and branched groups; but reference to an individual radical such as “propyl” embraces only the straight chain radical, a branched chain isomer such as “isopropyl” being specifically referred to.

(C₆-C₁₀)aryl denotes a phenyl radical or an ortho-fused bicyclic carbocyclic radical having about nine to ten ring atoms in which at least one ring is aromatic.

Specific and preferred values listed below for radicals, substituents, and ranges, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for the radicals and substituents.

Specifically, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl can be methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, 3-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl or decyl;

(C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy can be methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, pentoxy, 3-pentoxy, hexyloxy, heptyloxy, octyloxy, nonyloxy, or decyloxy;

(C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl can be vinyl, allyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, 1-heptenyl, 2-heptenyl, 3-heptenyl, 4-heptenyl, 5-heptenyl, 6-heptenyl, 1-octenyl, 2-octenyl, 3-octenyl, 4-octenyl, 5-octenyl, 6-octenyl, 7-octenyl, 1-nonenyl, 2-nonenyl, 3-nonenyl, 4-nonenyl, 5-nonenyl, 6-nonenyl, 7-nonenyl, 8-nonenyl, 1-decenyl, 2-decenyl, 3-decenyl, 4-decenyl, 5-decenyl, 6-decenyl, 7-decenyl, 8-decenyl, or 9-decenyl;

(C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl can be ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 1-hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl, 5-bexynyl, 1-heptynyl, 2-beptynyl, 3-heptynyl, 4-heptynyl, 5-heptynyl, 6-heptynyl, 1-octynyl, 2-octynyl, 3-octynyl, 4-octynyl, 5-octynyl, 6-octynyl, 7-octynyl, 1-nonylyl, 2-nonynyl, 3-nonynyl, 4-nonynyl, 5-nonynyl, 6-nonynyl, 7-nonynyl, 8-nonynyl, 1-decynyl, 2-decynyl, 3-decynyl, 4-decynyl, 5-decynyl, 6-decynyl, 7-decynyl, 8-decynyl, or 9-decynyl;

(C₆-C₁₀)aryl can be phenyl, indenyl or naphthyl; and

(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl can be cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the alcohol (compound I) can be acylated to provide the bisprotected alcohol (compound II). R₁ and R₂ can be any suitable organic group provided R₂C(═O)—can be selectively removed (e.g., alcoholyzed) in the presence of R₁. Suitable organic groups include (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy or (C₆-C₁₀)aryl (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, wherein any alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or arylalkyl of R₁ and R₂ can be optionally substituted with one or more halo, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, SR or NRR, wherein each R is independently H or (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl. Specifically, R₁ and R₂ can each independently be (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, or (C₆-C₁₀)aryl. More specifically, R₁ and R₂ can independently be (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl (e.g. methyl).

The acylation can be carried out employing any suitable acylating reagent (e.g., an acid anhydride, a carboxylic acid, or an acid chloride). Suitable acid anhydrides include acetic anhydride, benzoyl anhydride, maleic anhydride, phtalic anhydride, and succinic anhydride. Suitable carboxylic acids include acetic acid and benzoic acid. Suitable acid chlorides include acetyl chloride, pentanoyl chloride and benzoyl chloride. In addition, the acylation can be carried out employing any suitable alkyl acylate (e.g., alkyl acetate). Specifically, the acylating reagent can be acetic anhydride, acetyl chloride or acetic acid.

The acylation can be carried out at any suitable temperature that allows for the acylation of both the primary and secondary alcohols. Specifically, the reaction can be carried out at a temperature above about 25° C. or above about 70° C. More specifically, the reaction can be carried out at a temperature above about 100° C. or above about 118° C.

The acylation can be carried out in any suitable solvent. Suitable solvents include ethers, esters, acetone, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, THF, dicloromethane, pyridine, and aromatic solvents (e.g., benzene, xylenes, toluene, trifluoromethylbenzene, o-chlorotrifluoromethylbenzene, m-chlorotrifluoromethylbenzene, and p-chlorotrifluoromethylbenzene).

The acylation can be carried out for any suitable length of time. The length of time will vary and depends in part upon the nature and amount of reagents and solvents as well as the temperature of the reaction. Typically, the acylation can proceed for less than about 10 hours, less than about 7 hours, or less than about 3 hours.

Other suitable acylating reagents and reaction conditions are known in the art, for example see Greene, T. W.; Wutz, P. G. M., Protecting Groups In Organic Synthesis, second edition, 1991, New York, John Wiley & sons, Inc and Morrison, R. and Boyd, R., Organic Chemistry, 672-674, third edition, 1977, Boston, Allyn and Bacon.

The alcohol (compound I) can be acylated to the bisprotected alcohol (compound II ) employing acetic anhydride/acetic acid (i.e., Ac₂O/AcOH) in a yield greater than about greater than about 90%, greater than about 95%, or greater than about 99%. In addition, the acylation typically provides compound II (i.e., bis acylated compound) and the mono acylated compounds (the compound wherein the primary hydroxyl group is acylated and the secondary hydroxyl group remains unreacted and the compound wherein the secondary hydroxyl group is acylated and the primary hydroxyl group remains unreacted) in a ratio of about 90:10, and preferably in a ratio of at least about 95:5, or in a ratio of at least about 98:2.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bisprotected alcohol (compound II) can be alcoholyzed to provide the alcohol (compound III). As used herein, “alcoholize,” includes removing a primary acyl group to provide a primary hydroxyl group, while a secondary acyl group present on the same compound is not removed to any appreciable degree. Accordingly, the alcoholysis of a compound containing both a primary acyl group and a secondary acyl group can provide a mixture of compounds (e.g., the compound wherein the primary acyl group, but not the secondary acyl group, is alcoholyzed; the compound wherein both the primary and secondary acyl groups are alcoholyzed; and the compound wherein the secondary acyl group, but not the primary acyl group, is alcoholyzed). The alcoholysis typically provides the compound wherein the primary acyl group, but not the secondary acyl group, is alcoholyzed and the compound wherein both the primary and secondary acyl groups are alcoholyzed, in a ratio of about 80:20, and preferably in a ratio of at least about 90:10, or in a ratio of at least about 95:5.

The alcoholysis can be carried out employing any suitable boron alkoxide (e.g., boron methoxide, boron ethoxide, boron isopropoxide, or boron butoxide). As used herein, “boron alkoxide” is B(O-R)₃ wherein R₃ is (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl.

A specific boron alkoxide is boron methoxide B(OMe)₃, boron ethoxide B(OEt)₃, boron isopropoxide B(O-iso-propyl)₃, boron n-propoxide B(O-n-propyl)₃, boron sec-butoxide B(O-sec-butyl)₃, or boron tert-butoxide B(O-tert-butyl)₃. Specifically, boron alkoxide is boron isopropoxide B(O-iso-propyl)₃, as illustrated in the Examples.

The alcoholysis can be carried out in any suitable solvent (e.g., an anhydrous alcohol). Particular alcohols for use in the present invention will typically have between about 1 and about 10 carbon atoms; can be cyclic or aliphatic; can be saturated or unsaturated; and can be branched or straight-chained. Specific alcohols suitable for use in the present invention include methanol, ethanol, tert-butanol, and iso-propanol. Specifically, the alcohol is iso-propanol, as illustrated in the Examples. More specifically, from an environmental or recycling point of view, the same alcohol from which the boron alkoxide was prepared can be employed. For example, if boron iso-propoxide is employed, isopropanol can be employed as a solvent for alcoholysis.

The alcoholysis can be carried out at any suitable temperature. Specifically, the alcoholysis can be carried out at a temperature above about 25° C. More specifically, the alcoholysis can be carried out at a temperature above about 50° C. or above about 75° C. (i.e., the boiling temperature of the solvent).

The alcoholysis can be carried out for any suitable length of time, provided the primary acyl group is selectively removed (i.e., the primary acyl group is removed to a greater degree than the secondary acyl group). Specifically, the alcoholysis can be carried out for about 0.5 to about 4 hours, for about 1 to about 3 hours, or about 1 to about 2 hours, as illustrated in the Examples.

Applicant has discovered that a boron alkoxide in an anhydrous alcohol will selectively cleave (i.e., selectively alcoholize) the primary acyl group of compound II in the presence of the secondary acyl group. Specifically, the alcoholysis typically provides compound III (i.e., product) and compound II (i.e., starting material) in a ratio of about 80:20, and preferably in a ratio of at least about 90:10, in a ratio of at least about 95:5 or in a ratio of at least 98:2. In addition, the alcoholysis typically provides compound III and the compound wherein both the primary acyl group and the secondary acyl group of compound II are alcoholyzed, in a ratio of about 80:20, and preferably in a ratio of at least about 90:10, in a ratio at least about 95:5, or in a ratio of at least 98:2.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the alcohol (compound III) can be oxidized to the aldehyde (compound VI). Applicant has discovered that the oxidation can be carried out employing oxalyl chloride (i.e., (COCl)₂) in dimethyl sulfoxide (i.e., DMSO) in methylene chloride (i.e., CH₂Cl₂). Specifically, the oxidation typically provides compound VI (i.e., product) and compound III (i.e., starting material) in a ratio of about 80:20, and preferably in a ratio of at least about 90:10, or in a ratio of at least about 95:5. In addition, the oxidation typically provides compound VI (i.e., product) in a yield of at least about 80%, and preferably at least about 85%, or at least about 95%, based on starting material (i.e., compound III). Specifically, the oxidation typically provides compound VI (i.e., product) in a yield of at least about 95% if no purification step is necessary.

Alternatively, the alcohol (compound III) can be oxidized to the aldehyde (compound VI) employing oxygen (i.e., O₂) on palladium acetate (i.e., Pd(OAc)₂), as illustrated in the Examples. Specifically, the oxidation typically provides compound VI (i.e., product) and compound III (i.e., starting material) in a ratio of about 80:20, and preferably in a ratio of at least about 90:10, or in a ratio of at least about 95:5. In addition, the oxidation typicaly provides compound VI (i.e., product) in a yield of about 70%, and typically at least about 80%, or at least about 85%, based on starting material (i.e., compound III).

The oxidation can be carried out at any suitable temperature, provided the alcohol is oxidized to the aldehyde and the secondary acyl group remains intact. Specifically, the oxidation can be carried out at a temperature below about −30° C., below about −40° C., or below about −50° C. More specifically, the oxidation can be carried out at a temperature between about −50° C. and about −60° C.

The oxidation can be carried out for any suitable length of time, provided the alcohol is oxidized to the aldehyde and the secondary acyl group remains intact. Specifically, the oxidation can be carried out for about 1 to about 5 hours, for about 1 to about 3 hours, or about 1 to about 2 hours, as illustrated in the Examples.

Other reagents suitable for oxidizing an alcohol to an aldehyde are known in the art, for example see Carey, F. & Sundberg, R., Advanced Organic Chemistry, 481-490, second edition, Vol. B, Plenum Press, New York and London and Morrison, R. and Boyd, R., Organic Chemistry, 520-587, third edition, 1977, Boston, Allyn and Bacon.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the aldehyde (compound VI) can be oxidized to the carboxylic acid (compound IV). The carboxylic acid (compound IV) can be isolated as the free acid, or can be isolated as a salt of the carboxylic acid. Specifically, the salt can be a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Applicant has discovered that the oxidation can be carried out employing oxygen and NHPI (or ABIN or TEMPO) in trifluoromethylbenzene, which is commercially available as OXSOL 2000® from Occidental Chemical Corporation (Oxychem). As used herein, NHPI is N-hydroxyphthalimide. As used herein, “AIBN” is 2,2′-Azobisisobutyronitrile and is commercially available from Aldrich (Milwaukee, Wis.) and “TEMPO” is 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy, fee radical and is commercially available from Aldrich (Milwaukee, Wis.). Specifically, the oxidation typically provides compound IV (i.e., product) and compound VI (i.e., starting material) in a ratio of about 80:20, and preferably in a ratio of at least about 90:10, or in a ratio of at least about 95:5. In addition, the oxidation typically provides compound IV (i.e., product) in a yield of about 65%, and preferably at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, based on starting material (i.e., compound VI).

Alternatively, the aldehyde (compound VI) can be oxidized to the carboxylic acid (compound IV) employing cobalt(III)acetylacetonate (i.e., Co(AcAce)₃) trifluoromethylbenzene, and oxygen, as illustrated in the Examples. Specifically, the oxidation typically provides compound IV (i.e., product) and compound VI (i.e., starting material) in a ratio of about 80:20, and preferably in a ratio of at least about 90:10, or in a ratio of at least about 95:5. In addition, the oxidation typically provides compound IV (i.e., product) in a yield of about 85%, and preferably at least about 90%, or at least about 95%, based on starting material (i.e., compound VI).

The oxidation can be carried out at any suitable temperature, provided the aldehyde is oxidized to the carboxylic acid and the secondary acyl group remains intact. Specifically, the oxidation can be carried out at a temperature between about 30° C. and about 70° C., between about 40° C. and about 60° C., or between about 45° C. and about 50° C.

The oxidation can be carried out for any suitable length of time, provided the aldehyde is oxidized to the carboxylic acid and the secondary acyl group remains intact. Specifically, the oxidation can be carried out for about 1 to about 10 hours, for about 4 to about 8 hours, about 5 to about 7 hours, or about 6 hours, as illustrated in the Examples.

Other suitable oxidative reagents and reaction conditions are known in the art, for example see Carey, F. & Sundberg, R., Advanced Organic Chemistry, 481-490, second edition, Vol. B, Plenum Press, New York and London and Morrison, R. and Boyd, R., Organic Chemistry, 520-587, third edition, 1977, Boston, Allyn and Bacon.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the alcohol (compound III) can be oxidized directly to the carboxylic acid (compound IV). The carboxylic acid (compound IV) can be isolated as the free acid, or can be isolated as a salt of the carboxylic acid. Specifically, the salt can be a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The oxidation can be carried out employing any suitable oxidative reagent (see, for example, March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Reactions, Mechanism and Structure, 2nd Ed., McGraw Hill, 1977, pp. 1107-1108 , and references cited therein). Suitable oxidative reagents include: 1)chromium (IV) oxide (i.e., CrO₃) and acetic acid (i.e., HOAc) (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 78, 2255 (1956)); 2) chromium (IV) oxide (i.e., CrO₃) and sulfuric acid (i.e., H₂SO₄) (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 48, 4404 (1983)); 3) potassium permanganate (i.e., KMnO₄) (Tet. Lett., 28, 5263 (1987); J. Am. Chem. Soc., 109, 7280 (1987)); 4) sodium manganate (i.e., NaMnO₄) (Tet. Lett., 22, 1655 (1981)); or 5) palladium chloride (i.e., PdCl₂), potassium carbonate (i.e., K₂CO₃) (Chem. Lett., 1171 (1981)).

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the acid (compound IV) can be deprotected to provide betulinic acid (compound V). Betulinic acid (compound V) can be isolated as the free acid, or can be isolated as a salt of betulinic acid (compound V). Specifically, the salt can be a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Accordingly, the secondary acyl group can be removed.

Specifically, the deprotection can be carried out by hydrolysis. The deprotection (e.g., hydrolysis) can be carried out employing any suitable conditions (e.g., under acidic or basic conditions). Suitable acids include mineral acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid). Suitable bases include metal hydroxides and carbonates (e.g., calcium carbonate and potassium carbonate). Suitable metal hydroxides include alkaline hydroxides (e.g., lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide) and alkaline earth metal hydroxides (e.g., magnesium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide). Specifically, the hydrolysis can be carried out using sodium hydroxide in methanol, as illustrated in the Examples.

The deprotection (e.g., hydrolysis) can be carried out in any suitable solvent. Suitable solvents include an aqueous alcohol solution (i.e., alcohol and water) wherein alcohol is described hereinabove. In addition, the deprotection can be carried out at any suitable temperature that allows for the deprotection of the secondary acyl group. Specifically, the deprotection can be carried out at a temperature above about 25° C., above about 50° C. or above about 65° C. More specifically, the deprotection can be carried out at the boiling point of the solvent (e.g., if the solvent is methanol and water, the deprotection can be carried out at a temperature of about 105° C. to about 120° C.).

The deprotection can be carried out for any suitable length of time. Specifically, the deprotection can be carried out for about 1 to about 24 hours, for about 1 to about 10 hours, or for about 1 to about 3 hours, as illustrated in the Examples.

Other suitable deprotection (e.g., hydrolysis) conditions are known in the art, for example see Carey, F. & Sundberg, R., Advanced Organic Chemistry, 481-490, second edition, Vol. B, Plenum Press, New York and London and Morrison, R. and Boyd, R., Organic Chemistry, 675-682, third edition, 1977, Boston, Allyn and Bacon.

Applicant has discovered a one-pot, synthetically viable, and cost-efficient method to prepare the alcohol (compound III) from betulin (compound I). The one-pot process is faster and less expensive than known methods. The monoprotected alcohol (compound III) can be oxidized to the acid (compound IV) which can be deprotected to betulinic acid (compound V). Alternatively, the monoprotected alcohol (compound III) can be oxidized to the aldehyde (compound VI), and the aldehyde (compound VI) can be oxidized to the acid (compound IV), and deprotected to betulinic acid (compound V). All of the procedures described herein above and illustrated in the Examples herein below can be scaled up to industrial scale (i.e., kilogram).

The present invention will be described by the following examples. The examples are for illustration purposes and do not otherwise limit the invention.

EXAMPLES

Betulin was obtained from outer birch bark employing the methods as disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/371,298; Elkman, R., (1983) Holzforsch, 37, 205; Ohara, S., et al., (1986) Mokuza Gakkaishi, 32, 266; and Eckerman, C., (1985) Paperi ja Puu, No. 3, 100.

Example 1 Betulin-3-acetate (III)

Acetic anhydride (85 ml) and acetic acid (800 ml) are introduced into round bottom flask (3 L). Betulin (I) (100 g, 0.2259 mol) is added to the stirred solution and refluxed for 3 hours. The reaction mixture is allowed to cool to 50° C. and acetic acid was evaporated under reduced pressure (25-30 mm Hg). Cream-white crystals of intermediate betulin-3,28-diacetate (II) are obtained after storage in vacuo.

Isopropanol (i.e., i-PrOH) (2.5 L) and powdered boron iso-propoxide (i.e., B(O-i-Pr)₃) (100 g, 0.223 mol) are added to the flask and the mixture is refluxed for 1.5 hours. Isopropyl alcohol is then removed under reduced pressure (100 mm Hg) at 30-33° C. The resulting white-orange crystals are dissolved in dichloromethane (1 L) and water (60 ml) is added to the solution. After stirring (10-15 minutes) the precipitated material is filtered, extracted with dichloromethane (4×200 ml) and dried over sodium sulfate (10 g). Solvent evaporation provides white crystals. Crystallization from trifluoromethylbenzene yields betulin 3-acetate (III).

Example 2 Betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate (VI)

Oxalyl chloride (15.72 g, 0.1237 mol) in methylene chloride (i.e., CH₂Cl₂) (500 ml) is placed in a round bottom two-neck flask (2 L). After cooling to −50 to −60° C. (dry ice bath) and with efficient stirring is added dimethylsulfoxide (i.e., DMSO) (12.87 g, 0.165 mol) in methylene chloride (500 ml) drop-wise over 5 to 10 minutes. The mixture is stirred for an additional 5 to 10 minutes (until gas evolution stops). Betulin-3-acetate (III) (powdered) (0.0825 mol, 40 g) is then added and allowed to stand for 45 minutes. After triethylamine (41.67 g, 0.4126 mol) is added, the cooling bath is removed and temperature allowed to increase to 10° C. Cold water (200 ml) is added and the mixture is extracted with methylene chloride (3×100 ml). The combined organic extracts are washed with water (5×100 ml), 5% HCl (2×100 ml) and brine (2×100 ml). After drying over sodium sulfate (10 g), evaporation of the solvent gives crude compound, which after crystallization from hexane gives white crystalline product, betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate (VI).

Example 3 Betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate (VI)

Oxalyl chloride (7.86 g, 62 mmol) in trifluoromethylbenzene (250 ml) is placed in a round bottom two-neck flask (2 L). After cooling to −30 to −35° C. (i-PrOH-dry ice bath) and with efficient stirring is added dimethylsulfoxide (6.44 g, 83 mmol) in trifluoromethylbenzene (250 ml) drop-wise over 5 to 10 minutes. The mixture is stirred for an additional 5-10 minutes (until gas evolution stops). Powdered 3-O-acetyl-betulin (III) (40 g, 41 mmol) is then added. The resulting mixture is allowed to stand for 45 minutes. After triethylamine (41.67 g, 206 mmol) is added, the cooling bath is removed and the temperature is allowed to increase to 10° C. Cold water (100 ml) is added and the mixture is extracted with trifluoromethylbenzene (3×50 ml). The combined organic extracts are washed with water (5×50 ml), 5% HCl (2×50 ml) with brine (2×50 ml). After drying over sodium sulfate (5 g), evaporation of the solvent gives crude compound, which after crystallization from hexane gives white crystalline product, betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate (VI).

Example 4 Betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate (VI)

Palladium acetate (i.e., Pd(OAc)₂) (112 mg, 0.5 mmol) in trifluoromethylbenzene (500 ml) is introduced into a round bottom two neck flask (IL). Pyridine (158 mg, 2 mmol) and MS3A (i.e., molecular sieves, 3 Å) (5 g) are then added. The mixture is heated to 80 to 85° C. and oxygen was purged for 10 minutes. Betulin-3-acetate (III) (powdered) (4.84 g, 10 mmol) is added and oxygen is passed through the system at 80 to 85° C. for 1.5 hours. The mixture is filtered through silica gel (25 g, 230-400 mesh) to remove the catalyst. Evaporation of the solvent in vacuo gives crude product, which after crystallization from hexane yields white crystals of betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate (VI).

Example 5 Betulinic acid-3-acetate (IV)

Betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate (VI) (3 g, 62.15 mmol) is dissolved in trifluoromethylbenzene (120 ml) and then was placed into a two-neck round bottom flask (250 ml). Methanol (1.2 ml) and NHPI (53 mg, 0.32 mmol) is added to the solution. Oxygen is bubbled through the solution at 15 to 20° C. for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is poured into cold water (50 ml) and extracted with trifluoromethylbenzene (2×20 ml). The combined organic fractions are washed with 1% aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate until the water layer is colorless (4×30 ml). The trifluoromethylbenzene solution is dried over sodium sulfate (0.5 g) and the solvent evaporated in vacuo at 27 to 30° C. to give the crude product. Crystallization from MeOH-hexane gives white crystals of betulinic acid-3-acetate (IV):

Alternatively 3-acetyl-betulinic acid (IV) can be separated through the methyl ester by purification on silica (230-400 mesh, hexane: ether=3:1).

Example 6 Betulinic acid (V)

Betulinic aldehyde-3-acetate (VI) (1.455 g, 30.14 mmol) in trifluoromethylbenzene (150 ml) is placed into a round bottom two-neck flask (300 ml). Cobalt (III) acetylacetonate (75 mg, 0.205 mmol) in trifluoromethylbenzene (4 ml) is added to the solution and oxygen was bubbled through the mixture at 60-65° C. for 1 hour. Trifluoromethylbenzene is evaporated under reduced pressure 20 mm Hg, at 40° C.) and sodium hydroxide (0.82 g, 0.0205 mol) in MeOH (100 ml) is added and the mixture boiled for 1.5 hours. Methanol is evaporated under reduced pressure (130 mm Hg, 40° C.), water (150 ml) is added and the mixture is acidified with 15% hydrochloric acid (pH is about 4). The precipitate is filtered and washed with water (3×100 ml). Crystallization from MeOH gives white crystals of betulinic acid (V).

Example 7 Betulinic acid (V)

Betulinic acid-3-acetate (IV) (0.5 g, 1.003 mmol) is refluxed in methanol (50 ml) containing sodium hydroxide (0.3 g, 7.5 mmol) for 1 hour. The reaction mixture is then diluted with 100 ml of water and filtered to provide a white residue. The white residue is crystallized (methanol-hexanes) to provide white crystals of betulinic acid (V).

Example 8 Betulin 3,28-dibenzoate (II)

Betulin (I) (2 g, 4.52 mmol), benzoylchloride (1.40 g, 9.96 mmol) and pyridine (25 mL) are introduced into round bottom flask (50 mL). The mixture is maintained at 50-60° C. for 24 hours. The solution is poured into dichloromethane (100 mL) and washed with water (2×50 mL), 1% HCl (50 mL) and water until a neutral reaction of universal indicator paper is observed (i.e., pH=7). Chromatography on a silica column (Ether: Hexane=25:75) yields white crystals of betulin 3,28-dibenzoate (II):

Example 9 Betulin 3-O-Benzoate (III)

A stirred solution of betulin dibenzoate (II) (1 g, 1.54 mmol) in isopropanol (25 ml) is maintained in a round bottom flask (50 ml). Powdered boron isopropoxide (i.e., B(OiPr)₃) (1.56 g, 7.7 mmol) is added and the mixture is refluxed for twenty-four hours. Isopropyl alcohol is distilled under reduced pressure (100 mm Hg) at 30-33° C. The residue is dissolved in dichloromethane (50 ml) and water (2.07 ml) is added to the solution. After stirring (15 minutes) the resulting precipitate is filtered and washed with dichloromethane (4×10 ml) and dried over sodium sulfate (1 g). Solvent evaporation gives white crystals of betulin-3-benzoate (III).

All publications, patents, and patent documents are incorporated by reference herein, as though individually incorporated by reference. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications can be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for preparing a compound of formula IV:

comprising: (1) acylating a compound of formula I

wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently any suitable organic group; to provide a corresponding compound of formula II

(2) alcoholyzing the compound of formula II to provide a corresponding compound of formula III.; and

(3) oxidizing the compound of formula III to provide the compound of formula IV.
 2. The process of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing comprises a transition metal oxidant, oxygen, ozone, a peroxide, or a combination thereof.
 3. The process of claim 2 wherein the transition metal oxidant is a chromium (IV) oxidant, potassium permanganate, sodium manganate, manganese (IV) dioxide, ruthenium tetroxide, or a combination thereof.
 4. The process of claim 3 wherein the chromium (IV) oxidant is dipyridine Cr(IV) oxide, pyridinium chlorochromate, pyridinium dichromate, or a combination thereof.
 5. The process of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing comprises palladium chloride or potassium carbonate.
 6. The process of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing comprises dimethyl sulfoxide and an electrophilic molecule.
 7. The process of claim 6 wherein the electrophilic molecule is diclohexylcarbodiimide, acetic anhydride, trifluoroacetic anhydride, oxalyl chloride, sulfur trioxide, or a combination thereof.
 8. The process of claim 6 wherein the electrophilic molecule is an acid anhydride, an acid chloride, or a combination thereof.
 9. The process of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing comprises dimethyl sulfoxide and N-chlorosuccinimide; or dimethyl sulfoxide and chlorine.
 10. The process of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing comprises aluminum alkoxide and a compound having a carbonyl group.
 11. The process of claim 8 wherein the compound having the carbonyl group is quinone or fluorenone.
 12. The process of claim 1 wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy or (C₆-C₁₀)aryl(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, wherein any alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or arylalkyl of R₁ and R₂ can be optionally substituted with one or more halo, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, SR or NRR, wherein each R is independently H or (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl.
 13. The process of claim 1 wherein R₁ and R₂ can each independently (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, or (C₆-C₁₀)aryl.
 14. The process of claim 1 wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl. 